As a practicing social worker, Baker has worked with special needs infants as well as with families experiencing difficult pregnancies and deliveries. She was also active before and after Hurricane Katrina as a disaster mental health volunteer.She is President of the National Association of Perinatal Social Workers and the author of “Vulnerable Populations and Disasters: An Evidence-based Approach for the Helping Professions.” She says her experience as a social worker is what interested her in the position.
“I feel that with my background in education and social work, I can bring a complementary perspective to the board,” Baker said. “Many challenges that school systems face are rooted in social issues. [My family] has been involved in the system for over 10 years, and I have children who have grown up in Vestavia schools. I feel a great sense of commitment to the system and feel it is important to give back to your home community. I am looking forward to serving.”
Dr. David Pollio, chair of the Department of Social Work, says Baker is a great choice for the board and is in keeping with the service mission of the university. “The Vestavia Hills community demonstrated wisdom in this appointment, and they are extremely fortunate to have her service for her five-year term,” Pollio said. “As an urban institution, having members of the UAB community serve in [leadership] capacities demonstrates our commitment to the Birmingham metro area.”
